In We're Goin' to the Country!, Sufjan Stevens paints a picture of a quaint, Christmassy rural landscape. The opening lines of the song immediately create an image of coziness and comfort with the mention of a pillow and a fitted sheet, setting the tone for a warm and inviting atmosphere. The following line, "If you see your shadow on the snow/Is it from the baby Jesus glow?", adds to this imagery by referencing the religious significance of the holiday season. The mention of a "baby Jesus glow" suggests a sense of hope and new beginnings associated with the birth of Jesus.

The second half of the song is more playful in tone, with Stevens encouraging listeners to engage in festive traditions like decorating trees, hanging mistletoe, and singing songs. The reference to a woman dressed in black is a bit more enigmatic but adds to the overall tone of the song by conjuring up images of winter magic and whimsy. Finally, the repeated refrain "We're goin' to the country!" emphasizes the idea of escaping to a simpler, more rustic setting for the holidays.

Overall, the lyrics of We're Goin' to the Country! create a vivid picture of a charming, old-fashioned Christmas, while also hinting at the spiritual significance of the season. The song's combination of cozy imagery and lighthearted playfulness captures the essence of what makes the holiday season so special.